The trial of five men accused in the fatal gang rape of a young woman in a moving bus last month is set to begin in a special fast-track court in New Delhi.

Police were on alert Thursday outside the sprawling court complex in south Delhi, where some women's groups were expected to hold protests.

The court is expected to hear opening arguments by the prosecution and defense lawyers against the men charged with rape and murder. A sixth suspect claims to be a juvenile and is expected to be tried in a juvenile court.

Weeks of protests following the attack prompted the government to set up the special court to deal swiftly with crimes against women.